Local chicken chain still getting heat

PETALING JAYA: The controversy surrounding Darsa Fried Chicken (DFC) continues even after it issued an apology over a term used in a social media post that many took as racist.

MCA National Youth vice-chief Tan Yang Pang said DFC’s remarks are concerning.

He said the issue started when social media users had questioned DFC’s prices, and the outlet’s social media administrator responded with a term others believed was derogative.

“This conduct is neither professional nor responsible,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said although DFC apologised and explained that it was a mistake, it had hurt the feelings of the Chinese community, and could affect harmony and integration.

Tan said the authorities must investigate and find out why the term was used.

Although there were calls to boycott the restaurant, others said this is not the best option.

In a statement, human rights group Pusat Komas said although DFC had apologised, racially-charged language should never be used as it only polarises and divides Malaysians.

It added that a knee-jerk reaction is detrimental to the livelihoods of fellow Malaysians, giving the example of the closure of over 100 branches of another fast food franchise.

Pusat Komas also said it sees the merit in promoting a 100% Malaysian-made food chain.

“At the same time, we hope DFC takes this incident as a learning experience,” it added.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok also reportedly rejected calls for a boycott, saying that an “eye for an eye retaliation would make Malaysia blind”.

On X, a post by Cikgu_Anep said reviews of DFC had been good, with big pieces of chicken offered.

“Hope the management is more professional and does not play racial issues. I will try the chicken one day.”

User @thefaizzainal said: “I thought the Type C mentioned was a cable to charge phones. Good luck if they are the type which like to play race and religion sentiment.

“Be like Ramli (Ramly) burger. It is enjoyed by all races.

“No need for any type of labelling.”